Michael Clarke says Australia will take plenty of confidence into the reverse series down under, despite losing the Ashes 3-0 in England.

MALCOLM Conn runs the rule over Australia's entire squad after they lost the Ashes for a third successive time.

Chris Rogers – 6 – (367 runs at 41) After a slow start to the tour the veteran opener played a sparkling innings to help set up the third Test and made his maiden Test century in the following match. Now a permanent fixture.

David Warner – 3 – (138 @ 23) Played one innings of note, making 71 in the fourth Test, during a generally poor tour which went wrong from the moment he punched England’s Joe Root in a Birmingham bar more than two months ago.

Shane Watson – 6 – (418 @ 42, 2 wkts @ 90) Finally played what everyone hopes will be the big breakthrough innings, making 176 in the last Test, his first hundred in three years. The all-rounder was the only Australian to manage 400 runs for the series but half came at The Oval when the series was long gone.

Michael Clarke – 6 – (381 @ 48) A disappointing tour by his high standards. Led the batting averages with 48 but managed just one century, his 187 in Manchester, and one other score over 50. Still struggles for consistency batting at number four.

Steve Smith – 6 – (345 @ 38) A big finish to the tour with his maiden century. The 24-year-old improved as the series progressed and is now a permanent member of the side but he must continue to develop his game, putting away wild shots outside off stump.

Michael Clarke (R) has plenty to ponder before the return series in Australia.

Brad Haddin – 5 – (29 dismissals, 206 @ 23) Broke Rod Marsh’s world record for the most dismissals in a series but lacked consistency with the bat. Just two half centuries in the series was not enough.

Usman Khawaja – 3 – (114 @ 19) Failed to grasp the opportunity to cement himself in the side after being given three Tests at number three. The only highlight was one gritty half century.

Phil Hughes – 4 – (83 @ 28) The Jekyll and Hyde nature of his stop-start Test career was highlighted again. Hughes made a fine 81 not out in the opening innings of the series then managed just two runs in his next three outings.

Ed Cowan – 2 – (14 @ 7) Was ill during the first Test and had a poor match. He was dropped and not considered again. It appears Cowan is not part of Australian cricket’s plans for the future but a big Shield season could change that.

Ryan Harris – 9 – (24 wkts @ 20) The standout bowler in the series. The injury-plagued late bloomer finally managed to play four Tests in a row and became better with each outing. Australia needs him to stand up this summer.

Michael Vaughan delivers his final verdict after England's 3-0 Ashes series win.

Peter Siddle – 6 – (17 @ 32) After a strong start to the series Siddle faded badly, claiming just one wicket in his last two Tests. The workload of carrying the attack clearly took a heavy toll as his pace fell away.

Mitchell Starc – 5 – (11 @ 32) Played every second Test. One of Australian cricket’s great talents but is still searching for consistency, which will no doubt come with the more opportunities he is given.

James Pattinson – 4 – (7 @ 44) Potentially Australia’s most damaging fast bowler, he was disappointing in conditions that didn’t suit him and then forced home with another bout of stress fractures in his back.

Jackson Bird – 3- (2 @ 63) Was disappointing in his only Test, lacking penetration, and his pace was below that required of a front line fast bowler. Was sent home with back stress fractures for the second time this year.

James Faulkner – 6 – (45 @ 23, 6 @ 16) A strong debut from the feisty all-rounder with ball and bat but it is difficult to see him playing Test cricket consistently unless he can improve his batting to claim a top six spot.

Nathan Lyon – 5 – (9 @ 34) Australia’s best spinner, he was unlucky to lose his place at the beginning of the tour to Ashton Agar. Lyon had one good Test and two bad ones. Did not impose himself during the last innings enough.

Ashton Agar – 4 – (130 @ 33, 2 @ 124) An exciting talent, the 19-year-old handled himself well in elite company but is not ready for Test cricket. Everyone remembers his wonderful 98 on debut but he was chosen to take wickets.

Matthew Wade – (N/A) – The only player amongst the 18-man touring party not to play a Test, Wade was disappointing as a keeper and batsman in tour games. He has a great attitude but needs to improve to win back his place.

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